Apparatus and Method for a Self-Contained Heating Vessel

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for a self-contained heating vessel having enhanced efficiency and safety features. In one embodiment, the vessel includes a chamber for containing fuel; a burner assembly for burning the fuel; a fuel delivery mechanism that delivers the fuel from the chamber to the burner assembly; and a container disposed adjacent to the heat exchanger assembly, the container including an opening to an interior portion of the container. In other aspects, the vessel includes an ignition assembly operatively connected to said burner assembly and a heat exchanger assembly disposed adjacent to the burner assembly. In further aspects, the vessel includes a displacement sensor to prevent operation when displaced from an intended operating position and a pressure regulator that controls delivery of fuel to the burner assembly to maintain a substantially constant heating profile over a varying temperature range.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/731,401, filed Oct. 27, 2005, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to the field of heating and heatexchange and more particularly to a method and apparatus for a portableself-contained heating vessel having enhanced efficiency and safetyfeatures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A vessel that is capable of self-contained heating, namely a heatingvessel which contains the necessary components included therewithin toheat a substance, is desirable for many outdoor and other uses,including camping and other situations in which many modes of cookingand heating foods and liquids are not readily available or easilyperformed. The portability of such a self-contained heating vesselenables the vessel to be carried with the user and utilized effectivelyto heat food, water and other comestibles when needed and without thenecessity of packing unwieldy cooking units or having to rely on theinefficiency and inconsistency of a camp fire.

Certain self-heating cups and kettles are known in the prior art,examples of which are described below.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,191,173 to Dedeian et al. describes a self-heating cupincluding a cup formed of a cylindrical vessel and a hollow carryinghandle attached to the vessel containing a liquid fuel reservoir fromwhich fuel in a gaseous state is conducted to a burner located beneath adomed portion of the bottom wall of the vessel.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,690,094 to Sheinfeld et al. describes a gas flame kettleincluding a housing, a gas burner contained within the housing, acontainer for the fluid to be heated positioned within the housing andabove the burner, and an exhaust duct leading from an area above theburner, through the container, and out of a surface of the housing.Excess heat and combustion gases are exhausted in heat-exchanged contactwith fluid in the container via the ducts, for augmented heating of thefluid with simultaneous protection and insulation of the housing.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0011350 to Dowst et al.describes a heating vessel including a chamber having enclosed sides, athermally conductive bottom end and a top end forming an opening for theintroduction and extraction of contents to be heated, the bottom endhaving an external bottom side. A heater comprising a heat exchanger anda heat source having a heat outlet disposed at a fixed distance from theexternal bottom side and configured to deliver heat to a central areathereof. The heat exchanger includes a series of thermally conductiveradially disposed fins that are coupled circumferentially about thecentral area of the external bottom side, the fins extending for a fixeddistance to encase the heat outlet. A gas flow path is formed to allowintake of air and output of exhaust.

It has been determined that of particular importance in the design of aself-contained heating vessel is the cabability of the vessel to be usedin a safe and efficient manner, Accordingly, there is a need for aself-contained heating vessel that offers enhancements in such areas assafety and efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and apparatus for a self-contained heating vessel havingenhanced efficiency and safety features is disclosed. In one aspect, thevessel includes a chamber for containing fuel; a burner assembly forburning the fuel; a fuel delivery mechanism that delivers the fuel fromthe chamber to the burner assembly; and a container disposed adjacent tothe heat exchanger assembly, the container including an opening to aninterior portion of the container. In other aspects, the vessel includesan ignition assembly operatively connected to said burner assembly and aheat exchanger assembly disposed adjacent to the burner assembly. Inanother aspect, the vessel further includes a control assemblyoperatively connected to at least one of the fuel delivery mechanism andthe burner assembly, the control assembly including a displacementsensor that monitors a position of the heating vessel and preventsoperation of the fuel delivery/burner assembly if the heating vessel isdisplaced from an intended operating position. In yet another aspect,the fuel delivery assembly further includes a pressure regulator thatcontrols delivery of the fuel to the fuel delivery/burner assembly andmaintains a substantially constant heating profile over a varyingtemperature range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described with reference to the several figures of thedrawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of a self-contained heating vessel accordingto one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the heating vessel illustrating variouscomponents of the assemblies of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of control assemblies of a self-containedheating vessel according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the heating vessel according to the embodimentof the invention illustrated in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a self-contained heating vesselaccording to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of fuel delivery and operationalcontrol assemblies of the self-contained heating vessel shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention that is claimed. It may benoted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “can” and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. References cited herein are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety, except to the extent thatthey conflict with teachings explicitly set forth in this specification.

A method and apparatus for a self-contained heating vessel is disclosed.Examples of beneficial features and components provided by the variousdescribed embodiments of the self-contained heating vessel, discussed indetail below, include: (1) built-in fuel supply; (2) built-in pot orcup; (3) quick and convenient to set up (no pot to attach, no fuel toattach, etc.); (4) easy to operate (no knobs to adjust, no matchesneeded); (5) one button press on, automatic ignition, easily turned off;(6) turns off automatically; (7) stable; (8) expandable capacity; (9) noexposed flames; (10) low carbon monoxide (CO) output; (11) turns offwhen tipped or when bottom not placed on a firm surface; (12) inside ofpot is smooth (like a standard pot) and facilitates cleaning; (13) windscreen provides wind protection; (14) more efficient than standardcamping stove in terms of heat wasted; (15) turns off in over heatedcondition (e.g., water boils away); (16) a pressure regulator gives thedevice a constant heating profile over varying temperatures; and (17)lower gas pressure allows use of lighter weight plastic fuel tanksinstead of heavy steel ones as typically used in canister stoves.

Referring now to the figures of the drawing, the figures constitute apart of this specification and illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspectsof the invention may be shown schematically or may be exaggerated tofacilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exploded view of a self-contained heating vessel100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Theheating vessel 100 includes a heat exchanger assembly 102, a fueldelivery/burner assembly 104, a operation control assembly 106 and ahousing assembly 108. Briefly, the heat exchanger assembly 102 providesa mechanism by which heat generated by the fuel delivery/burner assembly104 during the conversion of a pressurized fuel to a heating flame maybe transmitted to the contents of a container. Additionally, associatedwith the fuel delivery/burner assembly 104 is a operation controlassembly 106 capable of providing an initial ignition source forigniting the fuel supplied to the fuel delivery/burner assembly. Theoperation control assembly 106 may further be used to ensure that thefuel delivery/burner assembly 104 is not extinguished unintentionallyduring use. Associated with the heat exchanger assembly 102, fueldelivery/burner assembly 104, and operation control assembly 106 is thehousing assembly 108. The housing assembly 108 serves to orient theaforementioned assemblies (102, 104, 106) in a desired position,provides the structure for the container in which food or liquid isheated, enables the vessel to be comfortably and ergonomically handledby a user, and provides for a cosmetically appealing arrangement.

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the heating vessel 100 illustrating thevarious components of the aforementioned assemblies of FIG. 1A.Addressing the heat exchanger assembly 102, a container 200 and a heatexchanger (or heat sink) 202 are associated with each other such thatheat provided to the heat exchanger 202 may be transmitted to thecontainer 200 via conductive, convective and/or radiative heat transfer.The container 200 is manufactured from a thermally conductive material,such as but not limited to aluminum alloy, steel alloy or conductiveplastics.

In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger 202 includes aplurality of protrusions 204 from the base 206 of the heat exchanger202. These protrusions 204 serve to maximize the available surface areaof the heat exchanger 202, thereby maximizing the potential conductiveand convective heat transfer to the base of the heat exchanger 202 andeventually to the container 200. One skilled in the art will readilyrecognize that numerous alternate embodiments of the heat exchanger maybe employed such that heat transfer from the heat exchanger 202 to thecontainer 200 is maximized. Furthermore, the container 200 of thepresent embodiment may take numerous alternate arrangements whichmaintain the functionality and scope of the present invention. Forexample, the container 200 may be of varying shape, size and material.In other embodiments, the container 200 may be constructed using a deepdraw manufacturing method.

Additionally, the container 200 may be of adaptable size, such thatvolume extenders 208 a may be readily attached to the upper region 208of the container 200 to increase the available volume of the container200. The volume extenders 208 a may attach to the upper region 208 ofthe container 200 using a variety of readily available mechanicalfastening means, as understood by one skilled in the art, including butnot limited to frictional fits or threaded fastening arrangements. Thevolume extenders 208 a provide the ability to adjust capacity of the cupor pot (for example, no extender, 14 oz, extended to 24 oz and furtherextended to 32 oz). This allows the user to choose the necessary sizefor their trip (depending on number of people, type of food desired,etc.) with the same base assembly along with the required extenders.Further, the extenders allow the device to be more stable when onlyheating 8 oz of soup or chocolate versus heating a 32 oz meal. Thisprovides safety in a tent or uneven surface or windy conditions. Theuser does not have to sacrifice the benefits of a lightweight and smalldevice to get a useful device for larger needs. The extenders are leakproof when attached to pot rim and are made of material that canwithstand boiling temperatures.

In heat transmissive communication with the heat exchanger assembly 102is a fuel delivery/burner assembly 104. In the present illustration, thefuel delivery/burner assembly 104 includes a perforated burner plate402. The perforated burner plate 402 includes a plurality ofperforations capable of delivering pressurized fuel stored in a gas tank414. The perforations of the perforated burner plate 402 are sized andorientated to deliver a maximum amount of heat, by way of a flame, tothe heat exchanger 202, while simultaneously providing a sufficientamount of heat to adequately heat the contents of the deep drawncontainer 200. Additionally, the sizing and arrangement of theperforations of burner plate 402 is such that the generation ofexcessive carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is minimized, therebyallowing the use of the heating vessel 100 in a contained environment.

Associated with the burner plate 402 is a burner body 404, wherein saidburner body 404 is mechanically fastened to the burner plate 402.Attachment of the burner plate 402 to the burner body 404 may beaccomplished using a variety of means including brazing, soldering,welding or alternative mechanical fastening means. Additionally, oneskilled in the art will readily recognize that the burner plate 402 andburner body 404 may be manufactured as a single assembly using a varietyof manufacturing means such as deep drawing and stamping. Manufacturingthe burner plate 402 and burner body 404 as a single assembly therebyprevents the need for mechanical fastening means and prevents potentialleaks in the interface between the burner plate 402 and the burner body404. The burner plate 402 and burner body 404 may be manufactured form avariety of suitable materials including but not limited to brass alloys,copper alloys, aluminum alloys or steel alloys, and any combinationthereof.

Tangentially associated with the burner body 404 is an orifice assembly406. The orifice assembly 406 may be manufactured from a compatiblematerial as the burner plate 402 and burner body 404 such that theinterface joint between the orifice assembly 406 and the burner body 404may be mechanically fastened, Suitable fastening means include but arenot limited to brazing, silver soldering or friction welding. Theorifice assembly 406 allows for the mixing of combustion air and acompressed fuel thereby allowing a partially aerated fuel mixture withinthe burner body 404. The pressurized fuel, stored in a gas tank 414, isdelivered to the orifice assembly 406 via a gas delivery tube 412. Thegas delivery tube may be manufactured from a variety of suitablematerials compatible for deliver of the compressed fuel. For example,the gas delivery tube may be manufactured from a copper allow or aplastic composition. The gas tube 412 may be flexible in nature, readilyallowing assembly of the heating vessel 100, or may be rigid in nature.

Compressed fuel delivered to the orifice assembly 406 may be deliveredat a controllable pressure, such that burner efficiency is maintainedirrespective of the pressure of the compressed case within the gas tank414. Delivery pressure of the compressed gas from the gas tank 414 maybe maintained by a pressure regulator 416 located between the gas tank414 and the orifice assembly 406. The pressure regulator 416 may befixed, thereby delivering a constant pressure to the orifice assembly406 or may be variable such that a user may selectively alter thedelivered pressure of the compressed gas based upon the users demands.Furthermore, the pressure regulator 416 may be altitude compensating,such that gas pressure is varied based upon the operating altitude ofthe heating vessel 100. In light of this, relatively constant combustionrates and flame sizes may be maintained at a burner unit (see, forexample burner plate 402 and burner body 404 of FIG. 1B) of the fueldelivery/burner assembly 104 at varying altitudes. The pressureregulator allows the flames to remain approximately constant in heatoutput, appearance and height over a varying temperature range (constantoutput impedance), thereby facilitating low CO output and efficiencyover a wide temperature range. The pressure regulator gives the device aconstant heating profile for temperatures from approximately 40 F toapproximately 120 F. In another embodiment, the device provides a lowprimary and secondary flame height in a compact small diameter packagethat is suitable for a portable stove. In the absence of any controlmechanism for the fuel flow, the flames would either be too large athigh ambient temperatures, or they would be too small at low ambienttemperatures. Although the inclusion of a user control knob foradjusting fuel flow is contemplated herein, the inclusion of a pressureregulator allows for the a user control mechanism for fuel flow to beeliminated while still providing the constant heating profile at varyingaltitudes and temperature ranges.

In still another embodiment, pressure is maintained at low temperaturesby heating the gas tank 414. In some embodiments, this is accomplishedby directing heat exhaust from the burner assembly 104 to flow aroundthe gas tank 414. In another embodiment, a conductive element (notshown) may be provided to conduct heat from the burner assembly 104 tothe gas tank 414. In one embodiment, the conductive element is heatedusing exhaust gases. In another embodiment, the conductive element isheated using flame from the burner.

Further, with respect to carbon monoxide output, ANSI standard Z21.72allows for 800 ppm. Many stoves exceed this and, presumably, are notANSI compliant. When flames hit a metal surface they quench (go out) andproduce unburned fuel (inefficient) and CO. By using a low flame heightand keeping the power output low, the device of the present embodimentmitigates the production of unburned fuel and provides low CO output.The pressure regulator allows for this constant flame height withoutallowing the user to turn up the flame height to unsafe levels. Thedesign of the present embodiment of the invention provides for a muchlower CO output than even the ANSI provides for a more compact(vertically) design, which is important for stability.

In one embodiment, a vessel of the present invention utilizes butaneonly (no added propane), thus the lower gas pressure allows the use of alighter weight plastic fuel tank versus the heavy steel ones requiredfor canister stoves. Standard canister stoves generally have noregulator and have flames varying with temperature. They also usepropane mixed with the butane for fuel that increases the pressure atlow temperatures.

The gas tank 414 may be a sealed unit pre-filled prior to purchase ofthe heating vessel 100 or in the alternative may allow subsequentrefilling by a user upon exhausting of the initial supply. In theillustrated embodiment, the gas tank 414 includes a refill port 418capable of mating to an external fuel supply (not shown) for refillingof the compressed gas tank 414. Furthermore, the gas tank 414 may bemanufactured from a variety of suitable materials, including but notlimited to steel or aluminum alloys or a plastic or phenoliccomposition. Selection of materials may be based upon the anticipatedoperating conditions of the heating vessel as well as the anticipatedgas pressured which the gas tank 414 contains.

The fuel delivery/burner assembly 104 is connected to a operationcontrol assembly 106 capable of both igniting the burner unit of thefuel delivery/burner assembly 104 as well as shutting off the burnerunit in the event that the flame of the fuel delivery/burner assembly104 is extinguished or fails to ignite. This prevents the escape ofunburned fuel gas, which can be an explosion hazard. In anotherembodiment, the heat control assembly also turns off the fueldelivery/burner assembly when the contents of the cup (e.g. water)reaches a certain temperature or if the contents are boiling. Thisfeature is performed by a mechanical temperature detection method or bysteam detection. Possibilities include heat passing along a bimetallicpart with temp difference detection and/or rate detection via a risingthermostat, as further discussed below. The structural components are incommunication with the gas valve to control delivery of gas to the fueldelivery/burner assembly accordingly.

In another embodiment, the operation control assembly 106 extinguishesthe fuel delivery/burner assembly 104 in the event that the heatingvessel 100 is displaced from an intended operating position. SafetyFeatures and components of the operation control assembly 106 thatprevent operation of the fuel delivery/burner assembly are discussedbelow (see e.g. heat control assemblies and tilt monitor assemblyreferenced with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3) Further, the device is alsodesigned for enhanced stability because pot integrated into the unit andhaving a low center of gravity and a wide base yet is still usable as adrinking mug or cup.

The operation control assembly 106 includes an igniter 602, capable ofbeing depressed by an ignition button 604, to deliver a spark to theburner plate 402 region. In the present illustrated embodiment, theigniter 602 may be a spring loaded piezo igniter having a structure thatwould be understood by one skilled in the art. The spring loaded piezoigniter generates a high voltage which is delivered via the piezoigniter transmission line 620 to the burner plate 402 region. Thetransmission line 620 of the piezo igniter 602 may terminate in a sparkgap, wherein a spark can jump between a conductor in the piezo ignitertransmission line 620 and the burner plate 402 assembly.

Actuation of the piezo igniter 602 is accomplished using the ignitionbutton 604. Additionally, the ignition button 604 actuates a gas controlsystem valve 608 upon an initial depressing of the ignition button 604,such that the gas control valve 608 allows for delivery of a compressedfuel from the gas tank 414 to the orifice assembly 406. Actuation of thegas control valve 608 is accomplished via an actuating rod 606associated with the ignition button 604 and the gas control valve 608.One skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous alternativegas control valve 608 arrangements may be utilized with the heatingvessel of 100. Furthermore, the actuation of the gas control valve 608during operation of the ignition button 604 may be accomplished using avariety of mechanical means as understood by one skilled in the art. Forexample, the piezo igniter 602, gas control valve 608 and ignitionbutton 604 may be a discrete sealed unit. In the alternative, the gascontrol valve 608 may be manually controlled by an operator, wherein anoperator opens the gas control valve 608 prior to the depressing of theignition button 604.

In the presently described embodiment, a heat control assembly 610 isadditionally associated with the ignition button 604. The heat controlassembly 610 of the present embodiment is further in thermal contactwith the container 200, such that the temperature of the container 200may be monitored by the heat control assembly 610. In the event that thetemperature of the container 200 exceeds a predetermined operatingparameter, the temperature control assembly 610 operates the actuatingrod 606 to close the gas control valve 608, thereby extinguishing theflame at the burner plate 402. Control of the gas control valve 608 bythe heat control assembly 610 prevents the overheating of the heatingvessel 100. Additionally, the temperature control assembly 610 mayfurther include a tilt monitor mechanism that monitors the tilting ofthe device and extinguish the fuel delivery/burner assembly accordinglywhen the tilt monitor mechanism measures a degree of tilt that exceeds apredetermined limit, as further discussed elsewhere herein.

In another embodiment, the temperature control assembly 610 may be abimetallic switch. The bimetallic switch includes an assembly of twodistinct metals, each of which has a different coefficient of expansion.Upon heating of the container 200 by the fuel delivery/burner assembly104 the bimetallic switch is gradually heated. Heating of the bimetallicswitch thereby causes the two metals of the bimetallic switch togradually expand as governed by their individual coefficient ofexpansion. The rate of expansion, as dictated by the desired maximumtemperature of the container 200, may be utilized in determining theappropriate displacement of the bimetallic switch. Temperaturesexceeding this predetermined maximum temperature will result in movementof the bimetallic switch beyond the operating displacement, therebyactuating the actuating rod 606 and closing the flow of gas through thegas control valve 608. The flame at the burner plate 402 is thereforeextinguished, and the temperature of the container 200 drops. Once thetemperature of the container is below the maximum threshold temperatureof the bimetallic switch, the gas control valve 608 may once again byactuated by the actuating rod 606 upon operating of the ignition button604. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that control of thegas control valve 608 based upon container 200 temperature may beaccomplished using a variety of acceptable alternative means. Theillustration of a bimetallic switch, therefore, is not intended to belimiting of the acceptable scope of suitable alternatives for use as atemperature control assembly 610.

Associated with the heat exchanger assembly 102, fuel delivery/burnerassembly 104 and the operation control assembly 106 is the housingassembly 108. This housing assembly 108 may take numerous forms,manufactured from a variety of suitable materials, such that the heatexchanger assembly 102, fuel delivery/burner assembly 104, and operationcontrol assembly 106 are properly orientated. In one embodiment thehousing assembly 108 may be manufactured from, but not limited to, aplastic or composite material.

Surrounding the container 200 is a cup lip 802. The cup lip 802 is sizedand orientated to allow delivery and removal of the contents of thecontainer 200 in an efficient manner. Additionally, the cup lip of theillustrated embodiment serves to locate a multipart shell or chassis804. This multipart chassis 804 serves to orientate the components ofthe heat exchanger assembly 102, fuel delivery/burner assembly 104 andoperation control assembly 106 while simultaneously providing acosmetically appealing surface. Due to the heat production of the fueldelivery/burner assembly 104, the multipart chassis 804 may include aninsulating region, which aid in maintaining a comfortable outer surfacetemperature of the heating vessel. This insulating region may include,but is not limited to, the use of insulating materials such asfiberglass or aramid fibers, may be a suitable sized air gap or anycombination thereof. Further, the shell 804 may include shieldingcomponents to keep flames from being exposed and to provide a windscreen, thereby enhancing safety of the device.

In communication with the multipart chassis 804 is a handle assembly 806sized and orientated for use by a user. Disposed on the handle assembly806, in the present embodiment, is a safety switch 810 which must beengaged prior to operating of the ignition button 604. One skilled inthe art will readily recognize that the safety switch may take numerousforms, including a switch that must be depressed prior to operation ofthe ignition button 604, or a cover over the ignition button 604 thatmust first be lifted prior to operating the ignition button 604. Thesafety switch 810 therefore prevents unintended operation of the heatingvessel 100.

Disposed along the bottom of the heating vessel 100 of the presentillustrated embodiment is a heat shield 808. This heat shield 808 servesto reflect the heat generated by the fuel delivery/burner assembly 104toward the heat exchanger assembly 102 and aid in maintaining acomfortable exterior operating temperature of the heating vessel 100.One skilled in the art will readily recognize the heat shield 808 may bemanufactured from a plurality of suitable temperature resistantmaterials including but not limited to steel alloys or high temperaturecomposites.

The cup lip 802, multipart cup chassis 804, handle 806 and heat shield808 may be mechanically or chemically fastened to each other to maintainproper orientation. Mechanical fastening means include, but are notlimited to, screws, bolts or engagement tabs. Chemical fasteningtechniques include but are not limited to glues or thermoplasticwelding. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerousalternative fastening means are readily available which are acceptablefor use with the present embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of control assemblies of a self-containedheating vessel 1000 according to another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 3 is a side view of the heating vessel 1000 according to theembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2. A container 1200,into which the food and liquid to be heated is placed, is attached to achassis 1804 via attachments 1210 (such as spot welds or otherattachment mechanisms known to those of ordinary skill in the art)disposed adjacent to a heat exchanger 1202. The chassis 1804 may includea shield 1808 that may serve as a wind shield and/or may also serve as aheat shield to redirect heat back towards the heat exchanger 1202 andthereby improve efficiency of the system. A shell 1806 is attached tothe chassis 1804 to provide a handle for gripping by the user and toprovide a cosmetically appealing appearance. Portions of the chassis1804, for example shell 1806 and/or windscreen 1808, may be translucentto allow a user to see whether a flame is on in the vessel while alsoproviding the wind shield and/or heat shield functions noted above.

The chassis 1804 houses a button 1604 that is activated by a user toturn on a burner unit (see, for example, burner plate 402 and burnerbody 404 of FIG. 1B). The button 1604 has a shaft 1604 a extending alongthe chassis 1804 and that is communication with a return spring 1604 bthat returns the button to its pre-activated position after beingreleased by the user. The shaft 1604 a of the button is operativelyconnected to a gas valve 1608. When the button 1604 is activated, theshaft 1604 a engages the gas valve 1608 (e.g. via a connector arm) toopen the valve and allow gas to flow from a gas tank 414 to the fueldelivery/burner assembly 104 (having components as discussed above inreference to FIGS. 1A and FIGS. 1B and illustrated therein). Activationof the button 1604 also engages an igniter mechanism 1602, such as apiezo igniter, that ignites the burner unit 402, 404.

Housed within the chassis is a control mechanism 1606 that isoperatively connected to the gas valve 1608. It is also contemplatedthat the control mechanism 1606 may be operatively connected to theigniter mechanism 1602. In the illustrated embodiment, the controlmechanism 1606 is a latch lever. The latch lever 1606 is disposedbetween the chassis 1804 and the container 1200 and is attached to thechassis 1804 via a pivot 1614. The latch lever is biased in a positionvia a bias spring 1616. Alternative locations for the bias spring 1616are shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Operatively connected to the latch lever 1606 are control assembliesthat engage to shut off the gas valve and to prevent the flow of gas to,and hence prevent operation of, the burner unit. One embodiment of acontrol assembly includes a boil detect disc 1610, which is illustratedin the figures in the “cold” position. As illustrated, the center of theboil detect disk is fixed to the chassis 1804. The boil detect disc 1610detects when the contents of the container 1200 are boiling and, uponsuch detection, engages to move the latch lever 1606 as an actuatingarm, wherein the tip 1606 a of the latch lever 1606 disengages frombutton 1604, allowing button 1604 to turn off via return spring 1604 bto shut off the gas flow via gas valve 1608.

Another embodiment of a control assembly includes a heat detect disc1612, which is illustrated in the figures in the “cold” position. Asillustrated, the rim of the heat detect disc 1612 is fixed to the latchlever. The heat detect disc monitors temperature and does not allow thelatch lever 1606 to latch in the on position unless flame (heat) isdetected. This prevents the unit from latching in the “on” position ifthe flame fails to ignite for any reason. The disc unlatches the latchlever 1606 in the event of the flame extinguishing for any reason, thusdisengaging the gas valve and preventing fuel from escaping into theatmosphere.

Yet another embodiment of a control assembly includes a tilt monitormechanism 1614. In one embodiment, the tilt monitor mechanism is a camassembly. In another embodiment, the tilt monitor mechanism 1614includes a pendulum assembly. The tilt monitor mechanism 1614 monitors atilt angle of the heating vessel 1000 (for example, via a cam assemblyor pendulum assembly) and upon exceeding a predetermined tilt angle, thetilt monitor mechanism engages the lever latch 1606 which in turnengages the gas valve 1608 to shut off the gas flow. In still anotherembodiment, the tilt monitor mechanism is a snorkel and ball disposed inthe gas line that shuts off gas flow when tipped. In another embodiment,the tilt monitor mechanism 1614 may also detect whether the heatingvessel has been placed on a flat surface. In the event that the vesselis placed on a non-flat surface, or moved from a flat surface (tippedover or lifted up, for example), the lever latch 1606 is engaged, in themanner as noted above, which in turn engages the gas valve 1608 to shutoff the gas flow.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a self-contained heating vessel 2000according to another embodiment of the invention. The vessel 2000includes a container 2100 in which foods and liquids to be heated may beplaced and including a heat exchanger assembly that facilitates heattransfer from the burner assembly 2200 that is disposed adjacent to thecontainer 2100. The burner assembly 2200 receives fuel from and iscontrolled by the fuel delivery and operational control assemblies 2300(discussed in detail below in reference to FIG. 5) and produces heatthat is transferred to the contents of the container 2100. Further, asillustrated, a transparent covering 2400 may be disposed around oradjacent to the burner assembly and which provides an external view ofthe burner assembly that enables a user to determine whether the burneris operational (e.g. whether a flame is seen). The covering 2400 mayalso provide a wind screen function as noted above.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the fuel delivery andoperational control assemblies 2300 of the self-contained heating vesselshown in FIG. 4. Manual control by a user to activate the self-heatingoperations of the vessel is provided by button 2301 that isoperationally connected to the vessel system to initiate delivery offuel and activation of the burner assembly. Further, as illustrated, atilt sensor assembly 2310 is in the raised position against the bias ofits spring 2312 when the vessel 2000 is resting on a surface (the spring2312 is shown extending from the tilt sensor foot 2314 all the way up tothe chassis 2302). When the vessel is tilted or lifted, the tilt sensorassembly 2310 extends to an extended position (downward). At the top ofthe tilt sensor 2310 is a catch release cam surface 2316 that is angledfrom a small diameter to a large diameter and that acts on the edge of alever assembly 2320, which in turn rotates about a pivot 2330 therebyengaging a gas valve assembly 2340 and shutting off the gas supply tothe burner assembly. Thermal sensor assemblies 2350 are shown disposedon the pivoting lever assembly 2320 and are capable of shutting of thegas supply in a similar manner as operationally described above inreference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from a consideration of the specification or practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A self-contained heating vessel, comprising: a chamber for containingfuel; a burner assembly for burning the fuel; a fuel delivery mechanismthat delivers the fuel from said chamber to said burner assembly; acontainer disposed adjacent to said heat exchanger assembly, saidcontainer including an opening to an interior portion of said container;and a control assembly operatively connected to at least one of saidfuel delivery mechanism and said burner assembly; wherein said controlassembly includes a displacement sensor that monitors a position of saidheating vessel and prevents operation of said burner assembly when saidheating vessel is displaced from an intended operating position.
 2. Thevessel of claim 1, further comprising: an ignition assembly operativelyconnected to said burner assembly.
 3. The vessel of claim 1, furthercomprising: a heat exchanger assembly disposed adjacent to said burnerassembly.
 4. The vessel of claim 1, further comprising: a transparentcovering disposed adjacent to said burner assembly that allows anexternal view of said burner assembly for assessing whether said burnerassembly is generating a flame.
 5. The vessel of claim 1, wherein saiddisplacement sensor is a tilt monitor mechanism and wherein said tiltmonitor sensor prevents operation of said burner assembly when saidheating vessel is tilted beyond a predetermined tilt degree.
 6. Thevessel of claim 5, wherein said tilt monitor mechanism is a pendulumsensor.
 7. The vessel of claim 5, wherein said tilt monitor mechanism isa cam assembly sensor.
 8. The vessel of claim 1, wherein saiddisplacement sensor is a device for sensing whether said heating vesselis resting on a flat surface.
 9. The vessel of claim 1, furthercomprising: at least one volume extender that attaches to the containerand expands a capacity of the container.
 10. The vessel of claim 1,wherein said control assembly further includes a temperature sensor thatmonitors a temperature of the vessel and prevents operation of saidburner assembly when a predetermined temperature is reached.
 11. Thevessel of claim 10, wherein said temperature sensor is a bimetallicswitch.
 12. The vessel of claim 1, wherein said heat control assemblyfurther includes a boil detect sensor that monitors contents of thevessel for boiling and prevents operation of said burner assembly whenboiling is detected.
 13. The vessel of claim 2, wherein said ignitionassembly is a piezo igniter.
 14. The vessel of claim 1, furthercomprising: a button that is operatively connected to said fuel deliverymechanism, wherein activation of said button permits delivery of fuel bysaid fuel delivery mechanism to said burner assembly.
 15. The vessel ofclaim 2, further comprising: a button that is operatively connected tosaid ignition assembly, wherein activation of said button controlsignition of said burner assembly.
 16. A self-contained heating vessel,comprising: a chamber for containing fuel; a burner assembly for burningthe fuel; a fuel delivery mechanism that delivers the fuel from saidchamber to said burner assembly; a container disposed adjacent to saidheat exchanger assembly, said container including an opening to aninterior portion of said container; wherein said fuel delivery mechanismincludes a pressure regulator that controls delivery of the fuel to saidburner assembly and maintains a substantially constant heating profileover a varying temperature range.
 17. The vessel of claim 16, furthercomprising: an ignition assembly operatively connected to said burnerassembly.
 18. The vessel of claim 16, further comprising: a heatexchanger assembly disposed adjacent to said burner assembly.
 19. Thevessel of claim 16, wherein said pressure regulator is fixed andprovides a constant fuel pressure.
 20. The vessel of claim 16, whereinsaid pressure regulator is variable and provides a user-selected fuelpressure.
 21. The vessel of claim 16, wherein said pressure regulator isaltitude compensating to provide a variable fuel pressure based on anoperating altitude of the vessel.
 22. The vessel of claim 16, whereinsaid pressure regulator maintains a substantially constant heatingprofile for temperatures from approximately 40 F to approximately 120 F.23. The vessel of claim 16, wherein said pressure regulator comprises aconductive heating element applying heat to said chamber.
 24. The vesselof claim 16, wherein said pressure regulator comprises a convectiveheating element applying heat to said chamber.
 25. The vessel of claim16, further comprising: a control assembly operatively connected to atleast one of said fuel delivery mechanism and said burner assembly. 26.The vessel of claim 25, wherein said control assembly includes at leastone of a displacement sensor; a temperature control sensor; a boildetect sensor, and any combination thereof.
 27. The vessel of claim 16,wherein said ignition assembly is a piezo igniter.
 28. The vessel ofclaim 16, further comprising: a button that is operatively connected tosaid fuel delivery mechanism, wherein activation of said button permitsdelivery of fuel by said fuel delivery mechanism to said burnerassembly.
 29. The vessel of claim 16, further comprising: a button thatis operatively connected to said ignition assembly, wherein activationof said button controls ignition of said burner assembly.
 30. The vesselof claim 16, further comprising: a transparent covering disposedadjacent to said burner assembly that allows an external view of saidburner assembly for assessing whether said burner assembly is generatinga flame.
 31. The vessel of claim 16, further comprising: at least onevolume extender that attaches to the container and expands a capacity ofthe container.
 32. A self-contained heating vessel, comprising: achamber for containing fuel; a burner assembly for burning the fuel; afuel delivery mechanism that delivers the fuel from said chamber to saidburner assembly; a container disposed adjacent to said heat exchangerassembly, said container including an opening to an interior portion ofsaid container; a control assembly operatively connected to at least oneof said fuel delivery mechanism and said burner assembly; and atransparent covering disposed adjacent to said burner assembly thatallows an external view of said burner assembly for assessing whethersaid burner assembly is generating a flame.
 33. The vessel of claim 32,wherein said fuel delivery mechanism includes a pressure regulator thatcontrols delivery of the fuel to said burner assembly and maintains asubstantially constant heating profile over a varying temperature range.34. The vessel of claim 32, wherein said control assembly includes adisplacement sensor that monitors a position of said heating vessel andprevents operation of said burner assembly when said heating vessel isdisplaced from an intended operating position.